'Ran Out Of Money, Slept On Sofa': Mr India Director Shekhar Kapur Recalls Leaving India For Hollywood At Peak Of Career

Renowned filmmaker Shekhar Kapur, known for films like Mr India, Bandit Queen, among others, revealed how he made the choice to leave India and work in Hollywood while he was at the peak of his career here. He also shared the hardships that he faced, and how at one point, he did not even have his own shelter.

On Tuesday, an X user asked Kapur to "teach some directing skills" to fellow Indian directors, who he felt are dependent on stars and item numbers. To that, Kapur replied, "Many years ago, after Bandit Queen became the most celebrated film at the Cannes Film Festival, I was faced with a decision. I could’ve stayed on in India. But after Masoom, Mr India and Bandit Queen, I needed to climb a higher mountain. I needed to challenge failure again (sic)."

Many years ago, after Bandit Queen became the most celebrated film at the Cannes Film Festival, I was faced with a decision.

I could’ve stayed on in India. But after Masoom, Mr India and Bandit Queen, I needed to climb a higher mountain. I needed to challenge failure again

So… https://t.co/H8DvHFk1Mc

— Shekhar Kapur (@shekharkapur) April 15, 2025

"So I gave up everything .. and went to Hollywood and started all over again. Ran out of money. Slept on friend’s Sofas. Fought hard all over again (sic)," he added.

Kapur went on to say, "And after 3 years of that I made Elizabeth. Got nominated for 8 Oscars, include Best Picture. When only 5 films were nominated, not 10. The lesson? At every point of your life , be willing to risk everything if you want to look for new horizons (sic)."

"That’s what Director’s in India need to do .. risk everything for creative challenge.. (sic)," he concluded.

A few days ago, Kapur was in news after he slammed an OTT platform for editing his critically acclaimed film, Bandit Queen (1994), without his consent while streaming it on the platform. "I wonder if OTT platforms would let me make #BanditQueen the way I made it years ago. The Bandit Queen on #AmazonPrime is unrecognisable from my film. Someone has cut it beyond recognition. And yet it carries my name as director. And no one asked me! Are we lesser beings than Western Directors?" he wrote on X.

The film had stirred a massive controversy upon its release, and while it had received an overwhelming response at the Cannes Film Festival, the situation was completely opposite in India.

The film faced opposition in India due to its bold portrayal of one of India's most feared dacoits, Phoolan Devi, and her life, particularly its depiction of sexual violence, caste oppression, and female exploitation.